Whitney Houston's Lifetime TV Movie Gets Official Air Date in January
A Lifetime TV movie based on Whitney Houston's life will officially debut on Lifetime networks Jan. 17.
Houston, the 48-year-old recording artist and actress, died in 2012 and will be the focus of the film titled "Whitney" which will be directed by actress Angela Bassett. While former America's Next Top model contestant and actress Yaya DaCosta will star as the main character, singer Deborah Cox will provide the vocals to Houston's music featured in the movie.
DaCosta, 32, has been featured in a number of movies including "The Butler" and television shows such as "Ugly Betty." Now TVLine and Entertainment Weekly are reporting that DaCosta will star in the role of the late singer who had a famously volatile relationship with fellow singer and ex-husband Bobby Brown, played by actor Arlen Escarpeta.
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However, some of Houston's family members have spoken out against the movie in the past. Pat Houston, Whitney's sister-in-law and former manager, does not feel the small screen production will do the late singer justice.
"Whitney is certainly worthy of more than a television movie," Pat previously told TMZ. "If Whitney were here today, this would not be happening."
Whitney's 21-year-old daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown, has also had an issue with the future Lifetime film. However, she did express her interest in playing the role of her mother in any future biopic. While Bobbi Kristina said she understood people wanting to connect with Whitney's story, she previously explained her position on Twitter.
"TRULY understand ppl want 2love&honor#HERSTORY way they think should be told," she wrote. "But simply out of respect, All I ask isn't mucho lol,"
Bassett, Houston's co-star in the 1995 film "Waiting To Exhale" spoke about her plans to direct the film.
"I have such regard for both Whitney's and Bobby's amazing talents and accomplishments, and I feel a responsibility in the telling of their story," Bassett said in a statement previously released by Lifetime. "Their humanity and bond fascinates us all. I'm beyond excited to have this opportunity to go behind the camera and into their world."
